A method of detecting a synchronization switching pulse using a power detector in a time division duplexing (TDD) system includes receiving an input signal, detecting a power level associated with the input signal using a digital power meter, and determining a configuration associated with the input signal. The method also includes determining that a pulse width associated with the input signal is greater than a threshold, determining an offset associated with a special subframe configuration, and generating an estimated sync pulse. The method further includes forming a regenerated sync pulse, determining an error between the estimated sync pulse and the regenerated sync pulse, determining that the error is less than a threshold, and providing a lock detect.